ATLANTA, Georgia – February 26, 2024 – Today the Georgia House health committee passed H.B. 1339, a bill which forms a health care coverage commission. The commission is a starting point for providing access to more than 400,000 Georgians to comprehensive, affordable health coverage, but should not replace immediate action to close the coverage gap during the 2024 legislative session.
In response, Julie Vojtech, Government Relations Director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in Georgia, released this statement:
“The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) urges lawmakers to continue to discuss immediate solutions to Georgia’s coverage gap. It’s important legislators seize on their opportunity to act now on this important issue, which has unprecedented, bi-partisan support across the state.
“Studies and further delays in action are too risky right now. Nearly half a million Georgians are in the coverage gap and stand to benefit from lifesaving health coverage. More than 63,000 Georgians will be diagnosed with cancer in 2024. Cancer patients can’t wait another year for health insurance and affordable access to treatment. Every day that someone goes without a cancer screening is a risk to their life.
“People need coverage now in Georgia and we urge lawmakers to use this momentum to pass a solution to close the coverage gap during the 2024 legislative session.”